Law Enforcement Probes Possible Arson Incident in Woodland Hills

Initially detained by civilians for suspected arson, the man was ultimately arrested for violating felony probation due to insufficient evidence to support arson charges, as stated by the Los Angeles Police Department.

“Following an interview and further investigative actions, which involved examining additional evidence, it was determined that there was not enough probable cause to proceed with an arson arrest. Consequently, this individual was taken into custody for a felony probation violation,” LAPD Assistant Chief Dominic Choi mentioned during a press conference on Friday. The investigation is still ongoing.

On Thursday afternoon, around 4:30 p.m., local residents apprehended a man and contacted the police, claiming that he was trying to ignite a fire in the Woodland Hills neighborhood, located north of Topanga State Park, according to officials.

The Kenneth Fire ignited at the boundary between Los Angeles’s West Hills and Ventura County.

LAPD officers from the Topanga division responded and took the suspect into custody. Because of the arson suspicions, the LAPD Major Crimes Division and deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, who are heading the Kenneth Fire investigation, also became involved. Law enforcement officials interviewed the suspect once on scene and concluded there was not enough evidence for an arson arrest.

At the press conference on Friday, L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman addressed the crimes that have arisen amidst the chaos in Los Angeles, emphasizing the issue of arson. He issued strong warnings to anyone considering exploiting the situation to commit crimes.

“If it is confirmed that any fires were set intentionally, those responsible for the arson will be apprehended, prosecuted, and punished to the fullest extent of the law,” he stated.

Hochman reassured that while law enforcement and firefighting efforts are focused on preserving lives and properties, they will soon shift their attention to investigating fire origins and prosecuting those responsible for arson.

Additionally, authorities warn residents of Los Angeles against curfew violations. Hochman indicated that violators will face arrests and prosecution to safeguard homes of individuals ordered to evacuate. Looting is another crime being reported by law enforcement.

“Looting is a reprehensible crime,” Hochman emphasized. “For those already arrested, be aware that this will not end favorably for you. You will face severe penalties.”

He also cautioned against the use of drones in fire danger zones, stating that such actions would also be prosecuted.

The District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement are also keeping an eye on and prosecuting online scams.

“We are witnessing individuals targeted by GoFundMe scams, where scammers are attempting to obtain money by posing as victims of the fires,” Hochman explained, predicting an increase in insurance and government benefit scams in the wake of the fires.

L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna reported that as of Friday morning, over 500 deputies are actively participating in evacuations, traffic control, and security in evacuated areas, with an enhanced presence to deter burglary or looting incidents.

A curfew remains in effect in regions affected by the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire mandatory evacuation zones, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., from Friday night into Saturday morning. Luna noted that anyone found violating this curfew would be arrested under Los Angeles County Code Section 2.68320 for a misdemeanor offense, risking fines of up to $1,000 or jail time.

“I have ordered that individuals caught violating this curfew will not simply receive a citation and be released; they will be booked,” Luna affirmed. “We are serious about this. We do not want anyone to exploit those residents who have already faced hardships.”